Datacentre Operations Engineer (Lefdal Mine Datacentre)

The Firm 

XTX Markets is an algorithmic trading firm that actively trades tens of thousands of instruments on over eighty venues with a daily volume of almost three hundred billion USD. We partner with counterparties, exchanges, and e-trading venues globally to provide consistent liquidity in the Equity, FX, Fixed Income, Commodity & Options markets, helping market participants throughout the world obtain the best prices in the various assets classes we cover. 

We leverage the talent of the people who work here, modern computational techniques and state-of-the-art research infrastructure to analyse large data sets across markets quickly and efficiently, to maximise the effectiveness of our proprietary trading algorithms. The models that drive our trading strategies have evolved considerably over the last 10 years, from econometric methods that gave our company its name, to trees, to neural networks, to modern deep learning architectures. We are actively seeking new methods and ideas. 

The success of XTX is underpinned by its research that applies modern computational techniques to analyse large data sets across markets quickly and efficiently, to maximise the effectiveness of our proprietary trading algorithms. 

This research is performed on its state-of-the-art high performance computing infrastructure (“HPC Cluster”), built from thousands of CPU and GPU optimized servers, hundreds of usable petabytes of flash and storage arrays, connected by a high throughput network layer. 

XTX Norway AS’ sole business is the ownership and operation of its HPC Cluster and associated infrastructure, and the provision of information and infrastructure services (i.e. technology services) to XTX Group entities. 

The Group utilise those services in providing the broader technology service provision to other group entities. 

At XTX Markets, technology is our business, and we are a diverse organisation which attracts outstanding talent from across all industry backgrounds. We are focused on teamwork and our people collaborate on all aspects of the business, working openly and with respect for each other, our clients and the market. Our culture is non-hierarchical and one where everyone is valued. We strive for excellence in everything we do. 

 

The Role 

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Datacentre Operations Engineer to help support the physical layer of HPC Cluster. 

The role is full-time, permanent, with the primary work location in Lefdal Mine Datacentre, Norway. 

Due to the nature of our research activities, on-call availability outside of shift hours is required, which may include weekend and public holiday work (in both cases, with time-off in lieu). Overtime may be necessary during peak operational periods or for planned maintenance and upgrade activities. 

The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of datacentre infrastructure, industry best practices, and a proven track record in supporting large-scale HPC and network infrastructure. 

 

Responsibilities 

• Play a key role in deploying new infrastructure, including network devices, cross-connects, structured cabling, and backbone/server-facing network connections. 

• Conduct hardware installations, upgrades, and repairs, including the replacement of faulty hardware. 

• Coordinate with IT vendors and third parties for regular maintenance, support, and warranty services. 

• Handle inventory management and logistics, including navigating international shipping and supply chain challenges. 

• Support the execution of large-scale projects, such as deploying over 1,000 servers. 

• Contribute to network design by selecting, specifying, or customizing equipment to meet XTX Markets' requirements, including assessing performance, protocols, features, and comparing SKUs. 

 

Essential Attributes 

• You will have extensive experience working in datacentres with a good understanding of high-speed networking (for example different kinds of fibre and transceivers). 

• Working knowledge of networking, hardware, and server software. 

• Extensive hands-on experience working in datacentres, especially with high-speed networking technologies such as fibre, transceivers, switches, and structured cabling. 

• Strong working knowledge of networking hardware, software, and configuration, including installing, troubleshooting, and debugging network connections, as well as using monitoring and management tools. 

• You will be comfortable working inside servers (for example installing PCIe cards). 

• Familiarity with the mechanics and complexities of international shipping and supply chains. 
• Proficient in both spoken and written English and Finnish for efficient communication in the workplace and with external stakeholders. 

 

Experience 

• Relevant degree or work experience in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field. 

• Hands-on experience with high-speed network hardware and supporting technical datacentre systems (e.g., BMS, EMS, SCADA) is advantageous. 

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills to resolve technical challenges effectively. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

• Ability to handle multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail. 

• Comfort working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. 

• Hands on experience supporting Direct Liquid Cooling infrastructure is advantageous. 

 

Personality Traits 

• Outgoing and personable, with the ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, local/national stakeholders, and vendors. 

• Punctual, reliable, and highly organized, capable of working hard to manage tasks effectively. 

• Proactive and assertive in identifying opportunities and taking responsibility to follow through on them, demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for the role and its challenges.